LeadStory

Why is Ethiopia's dam controversial?

Asked 10 hours ago

Answer

Ethiopia's dam is controversial due to fears in Egypt and Sudan that it could reduce their Nile water supply, especially during droughts. Egypt sees the dam as an existential threat, while Sudan worries about flood risks and coordination. No binding agreement exists on water management, fueling regional tensions.

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Al Jazeera

Ethiopia inaugurates Africa’s largest dam, Nile dispute continues

Al Jazeera · New
Al Jazeera
Al Jazeera
New
  • Ethiopia inaugurated the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, Africa’s largest dam.
  • Egypt and Sudan did not attend the inauguration due to ongoing water management disputes. 14s
  • Ethiopia's Prime Minister emphasized cooperation and denied intentions to harm downstream countries. 21s
  • No agreement has been reached between Ethiopia, Egypt, and Sudan on Nile water management. 42s
  • The dam has boosted national pride in Ethiopia, but expanding electricity access remains a major challenge. 1m 19s
Foreign AffairsMining & Resources

References

Ethiopia inaugurates Africa’s largest dam, Nile dispute continues
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Al Jazeera
10 hours ago
Ethiopia inaugurates Africa’s largest dam, Nile dispute continues

Egypt fears that in times of drought, the dam will starve the Nile downstream. There is still no deal between the countries over water management.

Sudan's Roseires Dam sees benefits but fears risk from Ethiopian GERD
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Al Jazeera
19 hours ago
Sudan's Roseires Dam sees benefits but fears risk from Ethiopian GERD

Sudan's hydropower dams are on high alert, fearing risk of flooding if water releases from GERD are not properly coordinated.

Sudan's Roseires Dam sees benefits but fears risk from Ethiopian GERD
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Al Jazeera
19 hours ago
Sudan's Roseires Dam sees benefits but fears risk from Ethiopian GERD

Experts warn that without a legally binding agreement between Sudan and Ethiopia on dam operations, downstream communities remain at high risk.

Ethiopia launches Africa’s largest dam as neighbors eye power imports
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Africanews
19 hours ago
Ethiopia launches Africa’s largest dam as neighbors eye power imports

The project has sparked controversy, particularly with Egypt, which relies heavily on the Nile and views the dam as a threat to its water security.

Ethiopia set to inaugurate mega dam
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Al Jazeera
2 days ago
Ethiopia set to inaugurate mega dam

Sudan and Egypt have failed to reach agreement with Ethiopia about how the dam will operate, particularly in times of drought.

Ethiopia set to inaugurate mega dam
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Al Jazeera
2 days ago
Ethiopia set to inaugurate mega dam

Both parties agreed the Ethiopian dam has serious repercussions for downstream countries, especially due to Ethiopia's unilateral steps to fill and operate the dam.

Why Ethiopia's mega dam is causing tensions with Egypt
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DW News
2 days ago
Why Ethiopia's mega dam is causing tensions with Egypt

Downstream neighbors Egypt and Sudan remain anxious, fearing the dam could reduce their water supply and pose an existential threat to Egypt.

Why Ethiopia's mega dam is causing tensions with Egypt
Icon
DW News
2 days ago
Why Ethiopia's mega dam is causing tensions with Egypt

Egypt and Sudan have long raised concerns that the dam could severely impact their water supplies, with Egypt relying almost entirely on the Nile.

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